Marketplace

Sales and Marketing

GEM Cable Solutions

BY:
GUEST AUTHOR

The Challenge

GEM Cable Solutions has been involved in the cutting-edge of cabling and communications technology since 1986. From modest beginnings manufacturing specialist products, they have evolved to become a leading UK manufacturer providing total cable, fibre and network solutions. Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, GEM Cable Solutions work across the globe to support their customers with an unrivalled level of expertise, provided by their 20 skilled and experienced members of staff.

Led by Steve Jack, Managing Director, the company is passionate about their people and are always seeking ways to empower staff. They are extremely supportive of apprenticeships, working closely with Oaklands College and other apprenticeship providers.

GEM Cable Solutions sought the support of the Skills Brokerage Service (SBS), delivered via the Hertfordshire Growth Hub (HGH), to assist them in overcoming the following challenges they were facing:

Recruitment and retention of apprentices

The need to upskill existing staff, as well as develop the skills and knowledge within their younger workforce

The need to further develop leadership and management skills

Recruitment of a General Manager to take on the operational side of the business from the MD

The Solution

Our specialist skills adviser, Caroline Cartwright, worked closely with GEM Cable Solutions to support and help stimulate ideas and to discover the best ways in which they could upskill their existing staff.

Caroline also suggested that they would benefit from attending HGH events, including ‘Build your future talent pipeline’. As a result of attending these events, as well as the support from Caroline, the company has been successful in recruiting apprentices.

Caroline assisted the company to access the right types of training, to best help them maximise opportunities and overcome challenges faced. Through Seetec, training was offered to all shop-floor staff on how to improve the quality of their surroundings and working environment. Health and safety training was also offered to all staff, including the apprentices. In addition, two members of management staff completed the Level 3 ILM training course in leadership and management.

The Impact

Since we began working with GEM Cable Solutions they have:

Successfully recruited five apprentices (over the past three years)

Recruited a general manager, ensuring the company has the operational support required to continue to grow

Developed the skills of existing staff, including management

Through the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, available via SBS, the company is eligible to receive 2 x £1,500 in grant funding. The company plans to reinvest this into ongoing training.

Quote

“Having access to unbiased, expert advice has allowed us to work even more efficiently and helped us to make the right decisions, enabling us to continue growing the business. The support and guidance we have received has been a great help and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the Herts Growth Hub” Sinéad Jack, Director, GEM Cable Solutions